Patriots Trade Keion White, Add DB John Saunders Jr.

Ahead of roster cuts, the New England Patriots signed versatile rookie defensive back John Saunders Jr. off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad to a 53-man roster spot. New England then traded defensive end Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers in a swap that sends White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to San Francisco for a 2026 sixth-round pick. White, a 2023 second-round pick who flashed early but had limited snaps and was a healthy scratch this season, gives the 49ers a versatile pass-rush option and has one year remaining on his rookie contract; San Francisco made the move to address major injuries on its defensive line, including the loss of Nick Bosa, and hopes defensive line coach Kris Kocurek can maximize White’s potential. The Patriots also traded safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick. New England had scouted other defensive options, including workouts for Clelin Ferrell, before making these roster moves.